Pediatric neck masses:
Finding a growth in your child’s neck can be very concerning and stressful. The surgeons at Southeast Michigan Ear, Nose, and Throat are experts in pediatric neck masses and will work quickly to diagnose and treat the growth appropriately. It is important to have the growth evaluated by a health care professional in a timely fashion. Starting with an appointment at your child’s primary care physician is an appropriate first step. The majority of neck masses are benign (non-cancerous) enlarged lymph nodes likely related to infection. These enlarged lymph nodes are usually observed or treated with antibiotics. Biopsy, imaging, or excision is generally reserved for cases where the lymph nodes do not decrease in size.
Other common types of neck masses include congenital cysts. These are growths your child was born with but were small and not detected until later in life. These cysts can represent branchial cleft cysts, thyroglossal duct cysts, or others. These cysts should be removed to prevent future infection and disfigurement. When it comes to operating on a child, it is important to have a surgeon who is trained to operate on children and has extensive experience operating on children. The surgeons at Southeast Michigan, Ear, Nose, and Throat are all board certified and have had extensive training and experience operating on children. The most advanced techniques and equipment will be used. Our surgeons also perform numerous cosmetic and facial plastic reconstructive surgeries and they will use techniques to limit any visible scarring.
In the rare cases of cancer, our surgeons work closely with radiation oncologists and medical oncologists to make sure a team approach is used in the care of your child.
